Totley War Memorial WW1 1914-1918

The Totley War Memorial is tucked away at the north side of Baslow Road between Hillfoot Road and the cottages at Lane Head. It is passed unnoticed every day by hundreds of motorists but few people walk past it and fewer still stop to read the names on the two brass plates.

Once a year on Remembrance Sunday there is a service and wreaths are layed but the names of the young men on the plaques are just that - names. Very few people know anything at all about the all too short lives of those who died. Three members of the Totley History Group, Pauline Burnett, Jim Martin and Dorothy Prosser, decided to see what could be discovered about the ten young men who gave their lives in WW1 so that the people of Totley could be reminded that the freedom they enjoy today is thanks to them.

They are from all walks of life - from the youngest son of the family at Totley Hall to a young farm labourer. All would have had their hopes and plans and dreams for the future when they left this quiet Derbyshire village to serve their country. None of them would ever see their homes and families again.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old.Age shall not weary them nor the years condemn.At the going down of the sun and in the morningWe will remember them.